Cracked Nipples

Cracked Nipples

Cracked nipples occur when the skin on your nipples is broken or cracked. It is similar to when your lips crack during cold, dry winters. A broken nipple is quite painful and will often bleed. The most likely cause of broken nipples is improper latch on. It is best to avoid cracked nipples by encouraging a proper latch on.

Once you have injured nipples, you will be in a continuous loop:
– your nipples feel terrible during a feeding session.
– They begin to heal and feel better in between feedings,
– but then they crack again during the next feeding.
It almost feels like the cycle will never end.

There is no real way to “fix” a cracked nipple; you need to wait and let your body repair itself. You can encourage healing by:

Eat healthy food and take care of yourself. A nutritious diet will help your body repair itself. A good diet will provide you with the energy & nutrients to support the breastfeeding process.